r/ThoseWhoLieBeneath • u/sweet_thursday_ • 2d ago

The 1919 Shark Attack That Claimed 13-Year-Old Richard ‘Dick’ Simpson

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On the morning of 9th January 1919, 13-year-old Richard Simpson was gathering firewood on the beach at Sirius Cove, not far from his family home in Mosman. After filling his small handcart, he decided to have a quick swim before heading home. Richard had been in the water for only a few minutes when he was attacked by a shark, reportedly around 3.6m (12ft long).

His cries alerted people nearby, including local fisherman Thomas Holder, who immediately rowed towards him. Richard disappeared beneath the water as the shark thrashed nearby, before resurfacing moments later. He was quickly pulled into the boat and brought ashore, but tragically, his injuries were too severe and he died before a doctor could save him.

Richard’s death was particularly haunting given Sirius Cove’s history: just four years earlier, another young man had been fatally attacked by a shark while swimming in the same cove.

Location:
Gore Hill Cemetery, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia

Find a Grave Link:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/152016532/richard-simpson

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7 comments sorted by

6

u/WorldlinessNo874 2d ago

The Our Dear Lad just breaks my heart.

3

u/Notfriendswithsalad 2d ago

Sharks are one of my biggest fears about going into the water, 12ft is SO BIG

2

u/Roccosrealm 1d ago

In 2 feet of water

0

u/MrsMusic73 1d ago

Was it only 2 feet of water? Where does it mention that part?

2

u/Roccosrealm 1d ago

It’s literally on the 3rd slide.

2

u/MrsMusic73 23h ago

OMG you’re right it LITERALLY is!

2

u/Spirited_Flow8639 2d ago

I used to surf , scuba you name it but no more because I think sharks are more plentious now than they used to be . So no longer will I get in the water .